Bill Lesuk

Bill Anton Lesuk (born November 1, 1946 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan) is a retired Canadian ice hockey forward who played with the Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings, Washington Capitals, and Winnipeg Jets.

Left-winger Bill Lesuk was a competent role player who played nearly 400 NHL games on five different teams. A top scorer in junior, he also enjoyed a solid career in the WHA.

Born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Lesuk played four years of junior hockey with the Weyburn Red Wings. Drafted by the Boston Bruins, he was assigned to the CHL's Oklahoma City Blazers and the Hershey Bears of the AHL. Lesuk was given a better chance at playing in the NHL when he was picked up by the Philadelphia Flyers in the Intra-League Draft in June 1970.

Playing with Jim Johnson and Serge Bernier on the Flyer's "LBJ" line, Lesuk scored 17 goals in 1970–71. In January 1972, he was part of the package sent to the Los Angeles Kings for Ross Lonsberry, Eddie Joyal, and Bill Flett. He was a decent role player on the West Coast for two and a half years before he was traded to the Washington Capitals as they prepared for their first season. Lesuk killed penalties and shadowed the best forwards on the opposition as he attempted to stop the bleeding during the Caps' horrid debut in 1974–75.

After his experience in 1975–76, Lesuk fled the NHL for the WHA's Winnipeg Jets. He remained with the club through its first NHL season after the two leagues merged in 1979–80 before retiring.

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